The 1958 Ferrari Europa comes from an era when Ferrari road cars still carried strong coachbuilt character and a distinctly grand touring sense of purpose. For a collector or restoration-minded owner, tire selection on this car is tied as much to presentation as to fitment, because the Europa uses a staggered bias-ply setup with 600-16 in front and 710-15 in the rear. That split fitment makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important. There is also meaningful choice within the correct sizes, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles across several classic tire series. The right decision depends on whether the priority is period-style appearance, radial-equivalent evaluation at the rear, or careful road-use preparation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Ferrari Europa
The 1958 Ferrari Europa uses two primary tire sizes, and they are not interchangeable because they mount on different rim diameters. The first step is confirming whether you are selecting a front or rear tire, since the front uses a 16-inch bias-ply size and the rear uses a 15-inch bias-ply size. Once that is established, the real choice becomes sidewall style, tire series, and whether the rear tire will remain bias-ply or be compared with a radial equivalent.
The 710-15 size is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with 710 indicating an approximate 7.10-inch nominal section width and 15 identifying a 15-inch rim. On the 1958 Ferrari Europa, this is the rear tire size, so it carries a different wheel diameter from the front and should be selected accordingly. Product choice includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, and US Royal. This rear size is also the one with radial-equivalent alternatives, making it the key decision point for owners balancing period appearance with alternative construction choices.
Fitment on the 1958 Ferrari Europa is straightforward once the tire position is identified, because the covered sub-models separate into front and rear applications rather than trim variations. Checking the exact sub-model matters here because the front and rear use different tire sizes and different rim diameters.
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1958 Ferrari Europa 250 Front
The 1958 Ferrari Europa 250 Front uses the 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. That makes the front-tire decision primarily about choosing an appropriate period-style bias-ply option and confirming that the wheel and sidewall presentation match the car’s intended look.
The 1958 Ferrari Europa 250 Rear uses the 710-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. Rear tire selection carries the added decision of staying with bias-ply construction or comparing the available radial-equivalent sizes while checking wheel compatibility and rear clearance.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Ferrari Europa
The original 710-15 rear tire size has four radial-equivalent options. Those include 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, these choices span traditional metric radial sizing, lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and a radial designed to retain a more vintage visual impression. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these rear equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and rear clearance should be checked before changing construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
205R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (710-15)
P215/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (710-15)
P225/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (710-15)
710R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (710-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1958 Ferrari Europa Tires for Sale
Available 1958 Ferrari Europa tire choices span front 600-16 and rear 710-15 bias-ply sizes from brands including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Coker Classic, and others. The main points of comparison are tire series, blackwall versus whitewall treatment, and the different rim-width specifications tied to each size.
Owners researching 1958 Ferrari Europa tires usually need to sort out the staggered front and rear sizes first, then decide between period-style bias-ply choices, rear radial-equivalent options, and the sidewall presentation that best suits the car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Ferrari Europa?
The 1958 Ferrari Europa uses two different primary tire sizes. The front application uses 600-16, while the rear application uses 710-15, and both are bias-ply sizes rather than a single uniform fitment all around.
That means the first step is identifying whether you are replacing a front tire or a rear tire, not simply choosing a size for the car as a whole. Because the two sizes also use different rim diameters, front-to-rear interchange should not be assumed. On a collector car, it is also worth confirming that the wheels currently on the car still match the original-style staggered setup.
What size rim does a 1958 Ferrari Europa use?
The 1958 Ferrari Europa uses two rim diameters. The 600-16 front tire mounts on a 16-inch rim, and the 710-15 rear tire mounts on a 15-inch rim.
That split setup makes wheel confirmation especially important before ordering tires, particularly on a car that may have had wheels changed during restoration or past ownership. Checking the stamping or measuring the wheel helps avoid mixing front and rear fitments. Once rim diameter is confirmed, the next decision becomes selecting the appropriate bias-ply style or evaluating the rear radial-equivalent options carefully.
Why does the 1958 Ferrari Europa have more than one tire size?
The 1958 Ferrari Europa carries different tire sizes because the covered fitment uses one size at the front and another at the rear. In this application, the front is 600-16 and the rear is 710-15, creating a staggered bias-ply arrangement.
For the owner, that changes the buying process from choosing a single set size to confirming axle position first. It also means the rear tire has its own separate replacement path, including available radial-equivalent sizes, while the front remains a 16-inch bias-ply fitment. Any car with replacement wheels or modified suspension should be checked closely before trying to match tires to the existing setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 710-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Ferrari Europa?
On the 1958 Ferrari Europa, 710-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size used at the rear. It is not the same thing as a radial tire, even though radial equivalents are available in related sizes for owners considering an alternative construction.
That distinction matters because keeping the original-size bias-ply setup preserves the car’s traditional tire format and appearance, while moving to a radial-equivalent rear tire changes the construction choice. Anyone considering that change should verify wheel width, overall fit, and rear clearance carefully. Construction changes should also be approached with the car’s intended use in mind, whether that is display, touring, or occasional road driving.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 710-15?
Radial equivalents for the 1958 Ferrari Europa’s 710-15 rear tire include 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent, respectively.
Each option follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is about more than simply picking any 15-inch radial. The associated rim-width range for these rear equivalents is 6-8 inches, which makes wheel measurement important before changing construction. Clearance around the rear wheel opening and suspension should also be checked, especially if the car no longer sits on its original wheels or ride height.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1958 Ferrari Europa?
A bias-look radial equivalent is available for the 1958 Ferrari Europa’s 710-15 rear tire in the form of 710R15. That gives the rear of the car a radial-construction alternative that is intended to retain a more traditional visual presentation than a modern-looking metric size.
It should still be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic swap, because wheel width, rear clearance, and the overall tire dimensions need to be checked on the car itself. This option can be especially appealing when the goal is to preserve a vintage look while exploring radial construction, but the front and rear setup should always be evaluated as a complete combination.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 710-15 tire for a 1958 Ferrari Europa?
The main considerations for a 710-15 rear tire on a 1958 Ferrari Europa are staying with the correct rear size, deciding whether to keep bias-ply construction, and selecting the sidewall style that suits the car. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations across several classic tire series.
Brand and series differences matter most when they affect the look of the car and the wheel specification you need to satisfy. Several 710-15 products use a 5.00 - 5.50 inch rim-width range, while the radial-equivalent rear options reference a 6-8 inch range. Matching the tire to the wheel already on the car is just as important as choosing the appearance you want.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Ferrari Europa tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1958 Ferrari Europa vary by size. In 600-16 front fitment, blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options are available, while the 710-15 rear fitment includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles.
That variety lets the owner tailor the car’s presentation without changing the underlying fitment size. A blackwall tends to keep the visual emphasis subtle, while whitewall treatments create a more formal period-style appearance. Since front and rear offerings are not identical, many owners will want to compare the overall look as a pair before selecting tires rather than choosing each position in isolation.
What brands offer tires for the 1958 Ferrari Europa?
The 1958 Ferrari Europa’s tire sizes are available from several brands, including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, US Royal, Excelsior, Lester, Ford Script, STA, and Camac. Brand availability varies between the 600-16 front size and the 710-15 rear size.
The practical comparison is less about ranking brands and more about matching the tire to the car’s intended use and presentation. Some choices differ mainly in sidewall style or tire series, while others bring different rim-width specifications or load figures. Once the correct axle position and size are confirmed, compare the product details that matter most for your wheel setup and restoration direction.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Ferrari Europa?
A period-style 1958 Ferrari Europa should start with its primary bias-ply fitment: 600-16 at the front and 710-15 at the rear. That preserves the original-style sizing format and keeps the car visually aligned with the era in which it was built.
From there, the choice becomes one of presentation rather than basic fitment alone. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall offerings can all change the car’s character noticeably. If exact historical originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque-specific reference material or restoration records, since period-style appearance and exact as-delivered configuration are not always the same thing.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Ferrari Europa?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1958 Ferrari Europa because bias-ply tires carry the car’s original-style sizing language and visual stance, while radial alternatives introduce a more modern construction format. On this car, that question applies most directly to the 710-15 rear fitment, where radial-equivalent choices exist.
A traditional bias-ply setup usually supports the most era-appropriate overall impression, especially when paired with the right sidewall treatment. A rear bias-look radial can soften the visual shift compared with a modern metric radial, but it is still a different construction choice. Owners balancing appearance with road use should consider the whole presentation of the car, not just the size printed on the sidewall.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Ferrari Europa?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Ferrari Europa, especially because the car uses different front and rear tire sizes and different rim diameters. Any change to wheel width, wheel diameter, suspension height, or body clearance can alter what works safely and what clears correctly.
That is particularly important if the car has been restored over many years and no longer carries its original wheel setup. Checking front and rear wheels separately is essential before buying replacements. Even when the size sounds correct, aftermarket wheels or ride-height changes can affect clearance at the fender edge, suspension, and steering components in ways the size marking alone does not reveal.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Ferrari Europa on new tires?
Before driving a 1958 Ferrari Europa on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct front and rear diameters, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper positions, and verify inflation, valve condition, and overall clearance. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for any signs that alignment or wear could affect the new tires.
A cautious first road test is worthwhile on any collector car, especially one with staggered fitment. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual vibration, and recheck tire pressure after the first drive. A fresh set of tires can only perform as intended if the car’s wheel hardware, brakes, bearings, and general chassis condition are sound enough for regular road use.
How should 600-16 and 710-15 tires on a collector 1958 Ferrari Europa be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1958 Ferrari Europa should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Both the 600-16 front tires and the 710-15 rear tires should be examined for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally.
Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a vintage Ferrari. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber. It also helps to move the car periodically or use appropriate storage practices so the tires are not left carrying the same load in one position for long periods.